To think the law should be able to do more about this dog??

Walking in the park today with my DH, 2.5 year old DD & dog, and DD walking in front of us (a very late walker, so very slow and can't run yet), suddenly a mastiff (we think) runs from the trees straight to DD and before we can get there literally steps away, my dog is between them.

It was so so quick but this dog was going for my child, and subsequently absolutely savaged my dog, I grabbed DD, was screaming for the owner and DH was trying to separate this dog from our dog (who is a small friendly breed and was pinned down, yelping, it was awful.)

The owners appeared and pulled the dog off after a few horrible minutes, and argued with us that the dog wasn't dangerous, and the woman got completely in my face and threatened me (while 30 weeks pregnant holding my sobbing DD) so we quickly left.

I called the local police from the car and was told there wasn't anything they can do about the dog as it didn't attack a human. (thank god though.)

But the fact remains, that a dangerous dog is allowed to remain in the park on a sunny weekend day where surely there'll be lots of children??

I'm so so angry and upset about this, my DD is really not herself and my poor dog left with bite injuries to his mouth, ears, face and neck.

Just because this dog didn't quite manage to bite my DD nothing can be done?? AIBU?

Take your child somewhere where there are no dogs running free. There are plenty of safe places to go! No need to place your child (or your unsocialised dog) at risk of reacting to dogs enjoying a run.If we were all tolerant of each others needs the world would be a safer place!

YNK- Where does it say that the OP's dog went for the other dog? That isn't what I read at all?! I read that her dog was savaged, not the other way around?!

So what you are saying is that parents shouldn't talk their children to the park, because dog owners have the perogative to let their unruly dogs run wherever they like? So parents aren't allowed to 'own' the park, but dog owners are?! I thought that the park was for everyone?I don't think anyone is actually trying to 'own' it.

OP, your dog sounds like a lovely, loyal animal and I really hope that he and your DD are okay.

YNK- Where does it say that the OP's dog went for the other dog? That isn't what I read at all?! I read that her dog was savaged, not the other way around?!

So what you are saying is that parents shouldn't talk their children to the park, because dog owners have the perogative to let their unruly dogs run wherever they like? So parents aren't allowed to 'own' the park, but dog owners are?! I thought that the park was for everyone?I don't think anyone is actually trying to 'own' it.

OP, your dog sounds like a lovely, loyal animal and I really hope that he and your DD are okay.

They should play in the places where dogs do not run free! Would you insist they play on a busy road? No? Then why put them in the way of free range dogs? It's crazy, territorial and irresponsible to use your child to make a point!

Dogs are a pretty good judge of canine intent. This 'small, friendly breed' felt it needed to put itself between the child and the other dog. And was bitten, pinned and had to have the other dog dragged of it as a result. Then the owner was aggressive, threatening the OP. Which is more likely to be the ill trained dog?

Re read the op, Doodle! Her dog was the aggressor. I am sorry it came off worse, but it should not have been anywhere where it felt the need to defend it's owner. If it is so defensive it should not have been placed in that position! The owner was risking the safety of her dog and child! There are lots of safe places to go without the need to do this!!!

Roads are specifically for CARS! Of course you wouldn't let children play on a road!! Parks however, aren't just for dogs! If the OP had let her child run wild in a dog pound then you may have a point, but she didn't, so you don't.

How have you come to the assumption that her dog is unsocialised?! And even if it is (which I fail to see you can assume from her OP), HER dog was minding its own business until the other dog came over.

I have re-read and re-read the original post....Her dog was absolutely not the aggressor. The aggressive dog came out of nowhere and looked to attack the child, so the OP's dog stood between the child and the other dog...if this is considered to be aggressive behaviour then i'm clearly an awful lot more aggressive than I realised! I never realised that standing could be considered aggressive.

Yes 'the dog came over'. It had no aggressive intent that I can see from the op until it was attacked.I bet the bigger dog is in that park every day, 365 days of the year,hail rain or shine.I wonder how often the op takes her dog out to socialise with other dogs there? Probably once in a blue moon when the sun shines, and then she also takes her child to toddle where the wee dog could get upset by another curious dog.Crazy irresponsible parenting (and dog ownership).